Old New World

Tammerlin tunes you in

You never know what you'll hear at a show by Tammerlin, a husband-and-wife musical duo composed of singer-songwriter-percussionist Lee Hunter (left) and guitarist Arvid Smith. They call their unusual sound "folklectic." And they're not kidding. The Jacksonville, Florida-based couple plays multiple instruments and boasts a varied repertoire of oddities such as Medieval French songs, Civil War-era numbers, and their own distinct works inspired by Nepalese Sherpas, Welsh miners, and Scottish seals. Usually accompanied by at least one electronic gadget, Tammerlin plays unplugged tonight at 7:00 for the Barnacle Under Moonlight concert at the Barnacle State Historic Site (3485 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove). Admission is $5 for adults; free for kids under age 10. Blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets are welcome; booze and pets are not. Call 305-448-9445. -- By Nina Korman

Blue Notes

Mike Gorman

Jam bands merge, travel

SAT 1/3

What do you get when you cross a Phish with an Allman Brother and a Meter? Vida Blue of course, one hard-driving funky jam-fest of a trio, not the heat-throwing pitcher for the '70s-era Oakland A's. Featuring keyboardist Page McConnell, bassist Oteil Burbridge, and drummer Russell Batiste,Vida Blue began as a side project after the Phish went on hiatus in 2001. But when a vacationing McConnell caught a Spam Allstars gig on South Beach this year, he simply had to jam with DJ Le Spam and the crew. The collaboration led to an album, and now Vida Blue featuring the Spam Allstars is headed out on tour. Showtime is 8:00 p.m. at the Jackie Gleason Theater, 1700 Washington Ave. Tickets cost $25. Call 305-673-7300. -- By John Anderson

Forever Blondie

SAT 1/3

Deborah Harry is a one-of-a-kind pop icon. She was the reigning pop princess before Madonna came along. Riding to fame on the tails of punk rock, Debbie embodied Andy Warhol post '70s cocaine chic. With a tight band behind her she won her place as a legend. So what if she's reduced to playing the dinosaur rocker circuit; she nonetheless is worth checking out. Blondie plays at 2:30 p.m. at Gulfstream Park, 901 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale. Admission is $5. Reserved seats cost $25. Call 954-457-6210. -- By Juan Carlos Rodriguez

Black Party

Bands bond for Cash

SAT 1/3

With a smoky baritone and shiny raven pompadour, Johnny Cash took music lovers to the dark side. His harrowing sound and earthy poetic lyrics, combined with his affinity for wearing the color of night, branded the iconoclastic singer "the man in black." His career spanned more than 40 years by the time he died this past September 13. He left not only the stuff that legends are made of, but an inspiration for generations of songwriters and wannabe cool cats. (Along with Miles Davis, there is perhaps no cooler dude to have walked the planet.) Sadly, personas like Johnny Cash are few and far between, but that does not stop legions of fans and disciples from playing his music. Tonight a cluster of local bands, including 2-Story Double Wide, Hellbound Rebels, 18 Wheelers, the Spinouts, and the Hooples will be doing their part to keep Cash's memory alive. Smoke enough hootch and drink enough whiskey and maybe you too will feel inspired to step into a ring of fire. The Johnny Cash Tribute Concert starts at 9:00 p.m. at Churchill's, 5501 NE 2nd Ave. Admission is $6. Call 305-757-1807. -- By Juan Carlos Rodriguez

Vital Tunes

Soulful group packs park

SUN 1/4

Hearing Blood, Sweat & Tears's psychedelic 1969 ditty "Spinning Wheel" as a cell phone ring or on 20-year-old pianist Peter Cincotti's debut CD says something about the timelessness of a great pop song, especially one embellished with liberal amounts of brass and sung by a guy with a voice so full it sounds like a gallon of Metamucil might change his life for the better. David Clayton-Thomas is that guy, author and singer of the aforementioned tune and crooner of others like "And When I Die" and "You've Made Me So Very Happy." Thomas and Blood, Sweat & Tears will play a 2:30 p.m. show at Gulfstream Park, 901 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale. Admission is $5; reserved seats cost $15. Call 954-457-6210. -- By Nina Korman